This year, Survival Camp welcomes Jergus Valachovic, a dedicated referee from Pezinok, Slovakia. With nearly two decades of experience in officiating, Jergus brings not only a wealth of knowledge but also a deep personal story rooted in resilience, passion, and continuous learning.

At 35 years old, Jergus balances a full-time professional life, fatherhood to two young children, and an ever-evolving refereeing career. Having started officiating in 2006, his path has taken him from youth competitions and second-division games to receiving assignments in Slovakia’s top leagues. In the past two seasons, he has worked both top women’s and men’s league games, and he now aims to solidify his position in the top tier of Slovak basketball.

Though international ambitions are no longer a central focus due to timing, Jergus remains committed to becoming the best version of himself on the court. He views this camp as a prime opportunity to sharpen his skills, particularly in areas such as performance analysis, game observation, and effective self-education —s kills especially critical for someone managing the dual responsibilities of family and refereeing.

His journey into basketball is marked by determination. After his playing career was cut short at age 15, Jergus found a new way to remain in the game through refereeing. That decision not only shaped his professional life but also opened doors beyond sport. His time in Sweden, initially sparked by a basketball tournament in Gothenburg, evolved into a 10-year chapter where refereeing enabled him to fund his university studies and immerse himself in a new culture.

Now back in Slovakia, Jergus is looking forward to combining his on-court ambitions with building new connections and memories with fellow referees at Survival Camp 2025.